RACES: A Story of Strength, Racism, and Athletic Triumph
A legacy of athletic achievement, community advocacy, and powerful storytelling.
RACES – The Book
RACES is more than a memoir—it’s a testament to resilience, injustice, family, and national pride. Written by Olympian, teacher, and activist Valerie Jerome, RACES recounts her family’s extraordinary journey as Canada’s fastest family, while exposing the harsh realities of systemic racism faced by Black Canadians.
Through Valerie’s words, readers gain a deeply personal and historical account of growing up Black in Canada, the impact of racism across generations, and the powerful legacy of her brother Harry Jerome—a world-record-breaking athlete whose story has too often been overlooked.
Valerie Jerome began writing RACES after the sudden death of her brother Harry in 1982. Despite his groundbreaking athletic achievements, Harry was subject to racial abuse and dismissal in a country reluctant to confront its own injustices. Her purpose was clear: to shine a light on the everyday racism that persists in Canadian society and to ensure her family’s story would not be forgotten.
RACES is a story of Black life in Canada, a story of racism meted out every day in Canada. It is also the story of tremendous strength, of compassion, and of incredible athletic achievements.
Where to Buy
RACES is available at major retailers and independent bookstores:
won the 2024 Track & Field Writers of America Award
Acclaimed Reviews
An essential account of athleticism and activism.
- Literary Review of Canada
Races is not only a testament to how one family paved the way for other Black athletes to thrive in this country; it’s also a sobering corrective to myopically Canadian patriotic liberalism, an insular and self-serving world view that tends to brush aside unpleasant reminders of our not-so-progressive past.
- The BC Review
